Rubanda. The opening of the maternity ward at Ruhija health centre II in Rubanda district has excited residents.
Construction of the 80 million shillings maternity wing was funded by the Joint Medical Stores-JMS to eliminate infant mortality in the area.
The development comes at a time when the number of expectant mothers turning up at the facility to deliver is overwhelming. The old maternity ward at the health centre could only handle 10 mothers a month. However, the new maternity wing has the capacity of handling sixty mothers.
JMS also contributed an additional 20 million shillings to equip the facility with delivery beds and delivery instruments like amp bag and a suction machine.
While opening the maternity wing, the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Bagamuhunda asked the residents to own the facility, saying it has been established for their benefit. He added that places with such facilities tend to develop at a higher rate since residents live in a disease-free environment.
The Bishop also tasked the health workers to handle expectant mothers with dignity because they have been called to great service by God.
Some residents couldn’t hide their excitement for the opening of the maternity wing, saying it will help reduce maternal and infant mortality through improved health service delivery.
Giripina Tukahiirwa, a resident of Kitaba village says that she has been trekking a distance of more than 20 kilometres to access antenatal care services at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
Tukahiirwa is happy that she will be accessing antenatal services at a nearby place.
Winnie Ainembabazi, a resident of Buzaniro village says she has been suffering to access antenatal care services from Ruhija health centre due to lack of services. She adds that the operationalization of the maternity wing is very significant in the lives of residents, saying mothers will find it easy to deliver
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